The rule: the owner creates, the professionals feed
The French building code (articles L. 126-35-2 and following) organises the carnet d'information du logement around a simple principle:
- The owner creates the logbook, updates it with every covered works, keeps it, and hands it to the new owner on any transfer.
- The professionals (builder, project manager, works companies) must hand over the necessary information at the latest at acceptance of the works.
In other words: the responsibility for the logbook sits with you, but the raw material must be provided to you. If it is not, you are entitled to claim it.
Who does what: the summary table
| Actor | Role on the CIL |
|---|---|
| Owner | Creates, updates, keeps, hands over. The only person responsible for the logbook as such. |
| Builder (new build, CCMI, VEFA) | Provides plans, insulation material descriptions, equipment instructions, at the latest at acceptance of the works (or at delivery of the home if you are not the project owner, as in a VEFA off-plan purchase). New-build details. |
| Tradespeople / renovation companies | For each job with an energy impact: characteristics of the installed materials and equipment, instructions, at the latest at acceptance of the works. |
| Notaire | Does not write the logbook. Records the hand-over to the buyer in the deed at a sale. |
| Estate agent | No legal obligation on the CIL, but a complete file helps them sell. |
| Syndic (managing agent) | Keeps the building's carnet d'entretien, distinct from your lot's CIL. See copropriété. |
| Tenant | No role: the CIL is not required for rentals. Explanations. |
What to ask your professionals, concretely
At acceptance of a new home
- Surface plans and cross-sections of the home;
- plans or diagrams of the networks (water, electricity, gas, ventilation);
- nature and thermal characteristics of the installed insulation (material, thickness, R-value, surfaces);
- operating, maintenance and servicing instructions for every system (heating, hot water, ventilation, cooling).
At the end of energy renovation works
- A precise description of the works carried out (not just "loft insulation": material, thickness, surface treated);
- technical sheets and instructions for the installed equipment;
- a detailed invoice: it dates and prices the job, two precious pieces of information at resale.
And if the professional sends nothing?
The obligation to hand the information to the owner is legal (it sits in the same articles of the CCH). In practice: claim it in writing (email, then registered letter if needed), citing article L. 126-35-5 of the CCH and the date of acceptance of the works. Nearly every company complies at the first request: the documents exist, they are just rarely sent spontaneously. If your works were supported by a public aid scheme, the Anah, your local Espace Conseil France Rénov' or your Mon Accompagnateur Rénov' can also provide some of the information.
In the Relai Confiance logbook, every intervention has its own record: company, date, amount, attached documents. Import a quote as a PDF and the app fills in the record for you.